Microperforation illumination

ABSTRACT

Methods and aparatuses disclosed herein relate to backlit visual display elements. A visual display element may include a base layer defining one or more microperforations and a light guide coupled to a light source. The light guide may be positioned adjacent the base layer and include one or more microlenses in alignment with the one or more microperforations along at least one vertical axis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Background

I. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to visual displays, and moreparticularly to backlit visual display elements.

II. Background Discussion

Electronic devices are ubiquitous in society and can be found ineverything from household appliances to computers. Many electronicdevices include visual display elements that can be used for variouspurposes, such as visual indicators for indicating the status of adevice, in conjunction with a user input device, and so on and so forth.In some cases, input devices (such as keyboards, mice and the like) maybe selectively or fully backlit and thus also function as a displayelement. Other visual display elements may have a purely aestheticfunction.

While providing attractive visual display elements and indicators for auser is very important in many electronic devices, much of the aestheticappeal of a device can quickly be compromised if the visual displayelements do not transmit enough light to be adequately perceived by auser. The aesthetic appeal of a device may also be diminished ifinactive visual display elements remain perceptible to the user when inan “off” state. Additionally, the light source required for many visualdisplay elements can quickly drain the power source of the electronicdevice, which may be a problem, for example, when the electronic deviceis running on battery power or some other depletable power source.Likewise, uneven or inadequate lighting may make a display elementdifficult to read.

While many designs for providing displays, lights and other visualindicators on electronic and personal devices have generally worked wellin the past, there is always a desire to provide new and improveddesigns or techniques that result in even more aesthetically pleasingand power-efficient visual display elements. In particular, the abilityto provide visual display elements on electronic and personal devices ina manner that can generate a sufficient amount of light to fulfill apurpose, while conserving space and power is desirable.

SUMMARY

Methods and aparatuses disclosed herein relate to backlit visual displayelements. Backlit visual display elements may be provided in the housingof an electronic device. More particularly, the backlit visual displayelements disclosed herein include a microperforated base layer, as wellas a light guide that is positioned adjacent the microperforated baselayer. The display elements may further include a light source that iscoupled to one side of the light guide. In some embodiments, an inputdevice may be coupled to the light source. The input device may be semi-or completely transparent, and may, in some embodiments, be positionedbetween the light guide and the base layer.

Some embodiments may take the form of a visual display element includinga base layer defining one or more microperforations and a light guidecoupled to a light source. The light guide may be positioned adjacentthe base layer and include one or more concave microlenses that arealigned with the one or more microperforations along at least onevertical axis.

Other embodiments may take the form of another visual display element.The visual display element may include a base layer defining a firstmicroperforation. The first microperforation includes a firstmicroperforation wall defining a first gradient. The visual displayelement may further include a light guide coupled to a light source. Thelight guide may include a first microlens. The first microlens mayinclude a first lens wall defining a second gradient. The first gradientmay be substantially equal to the second gradient.

Still other embodiments may take the form of a method for manufacturinga visual display element. The method may include forming one or moremicroperforations on a surface of a base layer. The method may alsoinclude providing a light guide configured to transmit light from alight source and including one or more microlenses. Additionally, themethod may include aligning the one or more microlenses with the one ormore microperforations so that light transmitted by the light guide isdirected through the one or more microperforations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a top plan view of a laptop computer in a closedposition and having a visual display element on its cover.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side perspective view of the laptop of FIG. 1A inan open position.

FIG. 1C illustrates a closeup and partially cutaway view of the visualdisplay element on the laptop of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 illustrates a closeup and partially cutaway side cross-sectionalview of the visual display element of FIG. 1A, as taken along line 2-2of FIG. 1C.

FIG. 3 illustrates a closeup and partially cutaway side cross-sectionalview of a second embodiment of a visual display element, as taken alonga line similar to line 2-2 of FIG. 1C.

FIG. 4 illustrates a closeup and partially cutaway side cross-sectionalview of a third embodiment of a visual display element, as taken along aline similar to line 2-2 of FIG. 1C.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating operations of a method formanufacturing a visual display element.

The use of the same reference numerals in different drawings indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments described herein relate to aesthetically visual displayelements that can be backlit. In particular, such visual displays caninclude a microperforated and backlit display. Such displays can be usedon an electronic device, such as, for example, a personal computer, suchas a laptop computer or a desktop computer, television, a media player,a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), and so on and soforth. Furthermore, some embodiments can also be used for visualdisplays on other items that may not be electronic devices, as will bereadily appreciated, and all such other uses are specificallycontemplated.

The term “horizontal” as used herein is defined as a plane parallel tothe plane or surface of the base layer defining the visual displayelements, regardless of its orientation. The term “vertical” refers to adirection perpendicular to the horizontal direction just defined. Termssuch as “above,” “below,” “bottom,” “top,” “side” (e.g., as in“sidewall”), “higher,” “lower,” “upper,” “over,” and “under” are definedwith respect to the horizontal plane.

In various embodiments, a microperforated and backlit display isprovided. Miniature holes or “microperforations” formed in a base objectfor such a display are preferably tiny enough so that they cannot bereadily distinguished at the base material surface by the naked humaneye, but are large enough so that light can pass therethrough and beseen by the naked human eye. In general, such microperforations shouldextend from one side of the base material to another side, such thatlight can be passed therethrough. In some embodiments, themicroperforations may be filled with a transparent material, such asglass, plastic, and/or some other material, so as to allow light to passthrough the microperforations while preventing corrosion andcontamination of the microperforation passage, e.g., with dirt, oil,etc.

In some embodiments, the base layer may be a portion of the housing ofan electronic device. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS.1A-1C, the base layer may be the top or outermost surface of the coverof a laptop computer. Although one or more of the embodiments disclosedherein may be described in detail with reference to a particularelectronic device, the disclosed embodiments should not be interpretedor otherwise used as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including theclaims. In addition, one skilled in the art will understand that thefollowing description has broad application. Accordingly, the discussionof any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary and is not intended tosuggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, islimited to these embodiments.

FIG. 1A shows, in top plan view, an example laptop computer 10 in aclosed position and having a design on its cover 11. As shown, the topcover 11 includes a visual display element 100 in the shape of a sampledesign. The visual display element 100 can be, for example, a backlitmicroperforated pattern and may also have a different surface finishthan the rest of top cover 11, as described in greater detail below. Inother embodiments, the visual display element may be provided ondifferent electronic devices. The visual display element may be anydesign, including a wide variety of shapes, sizes and types, and is notlimited to the design shown in FIGS. 1A-1D.

FIG. 1B illustrates the same sample laptop computer 10 as depicted inFIG. 1A, only in an open position and in side perspective view. Laptopcomputer 10 can also include a lower portion 12 that may include akeyboard 13. Again, top cover 11 can include a visual display element100.

The visual display element 100 can include a pattern of numerousmicroperforations formed in the material of the top cover 11. Themicroperforated pattern can be formed on virtually any opaque base layerwhere a visual display element is desired, including, but not limitedto, the laptop computer cover 11 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. In oneembodiment, the base material forming the base layer may be a metallicmaterial, such as, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium,copper, magnesium and the like. However, any base material that isreadily amenable to the formation of such microperforations can be used.

Continuing to FIG. 1C, the visual display element 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1Bis shown in closeup and partially cutaway view, in order to accentuatethe existence of the microperforations. The closeup portion 150 of topcover 11 is the view that actually depicts the various microperforations101 forming the visual display element 100. As shown, the visual displayelement 100 is formed in the shape of a design. This design is formedfrom a collection of multiple microperforations, which can range from afew to dozens, hundreds or even thousands. Such a microperforation fieldor pattern can be made visible on one side by providing a light sourceon another side.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an example of abase layer having a microperforated and backlit visual display element,as taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1C. As shown in FIG. 2, the base layerincludes multiple microperforations 101 that extend from a bottomsurface 215 to a top surface 216 of the base layer 211, which may bee.g., the housing of an electronic device, such as the laptop cover 11shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. A light guide 220 configured to transmit lightfrom a light source 222 may be provided below the base layer 211 andencased in the housing. In other embodiments, the light guide and/orsource may not be completely encased in the housing. Thus, light may beemitted in an X or Y direction into the light guide by a light source.As the light impacts the microlenses, it is focused by the lens into acollimated (or partially collimated) beam and redirected into theZ-direction. In this manner, light may be focused and transmitted intothe microperforations. In one embodiment, the light source 222 may beadjacent a portion of the base layer 211. The light guide 220 may becoupled to a wide variety of light sources 222, including, but notlimited to, a light emitting diode, a liquid crystal element, anelectroluminescent light, or any other suitable light source for such apurpose.

As will be further discussed below, the light guide 200 may be a lightguide panel (LGP) that has a plane surface 230 and one or more concavemicrolenses 225 to refract and/or reflect light. In one embodiment, thepattern of microlenses 225 defined in the light guide panel may bevertically aligned with and match the pattern of microperforations 101defined in the base layer 211 when the electronic device is assembled.Accordingly, in one embodiment of a fully assembled electronic device,each microlens 225 may be vertically aligned with a microperforation 101positioned directly underneath it.

An adhesive 226 may be used to affix the light guide 220 to the bottomsurface 215 of the base layer. For example, the adhesive may be anoptically clear double-sided adhesive 230, such that light can be passedthrough the adhesive. Other adhesives, such as a fluid adhesive, mayalso be used in conjunction with the described embodiments.

Various thicknesses for the base layer 211 can be used. In oneembodiment, for example, the thickness T1 of the base layer may be about250-400 microns. Alternative applications may lend themselves todifferent thicknesses depending upon circumstances, as will be readilyappreciated. For example, a smaller thickness might be preferable for asmaller item, such as for a handheld or other device, or to reduce theweight of a device.

The microperforations 101 may have a tapered configuration so that eachmicroperforation gradually narrows toward one end. For example, as shownin FIG. 2, the microperforations may taper toward the top surface 216 ofthe base layer 211. In one embodiment, the microperforations 101 mayhave a truncated cone configuration so that the top ends of themicroperforations, i.e., that face the user, have smaller diameters D2than the diameters D1 of the bottom ends of the microperforations.

The diameters D2 of the tops of the microperforations may be smallenough so as to be imperceptible or difficult to resolve using the nakedhuman eye when the microperforations are in an off or unilluminatedstate. For example, the top ends of the microperforations may be about100 microns or less in diameter, and may be even smaller, for example,about 30 microns or less. In some embodiments, the diameters of the topends of the microperforations can range from about 20 microns to about50 microns in diameter. In contrast, the diameters D1 of the bottom endsof the microperforations may be larger than the top ends of themicroperforations D2, at about 200 microns or less in diameter, or maybe even smaller, at about 120 microns or less in diameter. Themeasurements discussed above are only sample measurements, and in otherembodiments, either end of the microperforations may be larger orsmaller.

Other larger or smaller microperforation diameters can also be used, asmay be desired for a particular visual display implementation. Forexample, a microperforation having a larger top diameter may allow forthe emission of more light from the light guide, but may be more visibleto the naked eye even when a corresponding light source is in an off orunilluminated state. Conversely, a smaller top diameter may hinder theemission of light from the light guide, but may be less perceptible whenthe backlight is in an off or unilluminated state. In anotherembodiment, the diameters of the top ends of the microperforations maybe larger than the diameters of the bottom ends of the microperforationsso that the microperforations taper toward the bottom surface 215 of thebase layer 211. In a further embodiment, the microperforations may havea substantially uniform diameter throughout so that themicroperforations are essentially cylindrical. Additionally, in anotherembodiment, the microperforations may extend at an angle so that the topends of the microperforations may be vertically or horizontally offsetfrom the bottom ends of the microperforations.

The gradient of the sidewalls of the microperforations can also bevaried to create different visual effects. For example, a largerdifference between the diameters D1 of the bottom ends of themicroperforations and the diameters D2 of the top ends of themicroperforations may result in a lower sidewall gradient, while asmaller difference between the diameters D1 of the bottom ends of themicroperforations and the diameters D2 of the top ends of themicroperforations may result in a steeper sidewall gradient. This mayalso impact the amount of light that is transmitted through themicroperforations. For example, a steeper sidewall gradient may resultin the emission of a higher intensity beam of light, while a smallergradient may result in a less focused beam of light and/or less lightexiting the microperforation.

The microperforations may formed by a variety of suitable techniques. Inone embodiment, the microperforations may be cut by lasers. For example,the microperforations may be formed by projecting a laser beam on thebottom surface 215 of the base layer 211 and rotating the beam in aspiral pattern to create the conical configuration of themicroperforations. In particular, the laser beam may be initiallyorbited in a circular path having a wider diameter D1 to define theedges of the bottoms of the microperforations, and then at progressivelyreduced diameters to reduce the diameters of the microperforationstoward the top surface 216 of the base layer 211. The orbit is thusprogressively and continuously reduced until it is the diameter D2 ofthe bottoms of the microperforations at the conclusion of the holeformation. The laser may be provided by a computer numerical controlledlaser tool, and may have any suitable wavelength for cutting through thebase layer 211. For example, the laser may be an ultra-violet laser, agreen laser, or a YAG laser, depending on the desired size and shape ofthe microperforation. The laser spiral cutting technique described aboveis only one technique for forming the microperforations. Accordingly,other methods for forming the microperforations may entail the use ofother techniques and/or machinery, as is known.

The light guide can be formed from any suitable material fortransmitting and diffusing light through the light guide, includingplastic, acrylic, silica, glass, and so on and so forth. Additionally,the light guide may include combinations of reflective material, highlytransparent material, light absorbing material, opaque material,photosensitive film, light dispersing material, metallic material, opticmaterial, polarizing material, and/or any other functional material toprovide extra modification of optical performance. In addition, thelight guide may take the form of a film, panel, plate, or any othersuitable structure with an appropriate thickness. Various thicknessesfor the light guide can be used. For example, the thickness T2 of thelight guide may be about 300-400 microns. Alternative applications maylend themselves to different thicknesses depending upon circumstances,as will be readily appreciated.

The light guide may include an array of concave microlenses 225. Asshown in FIG. 2, the microlenses 225 may each have a taperedconfiguration. In one embodiment, the microlenses may have asubstantially conical configuration, in which the bottom end of eachmicrolens is pointed. In other embodiments, the microlenses may definetruncated cones, in which the bottoms of the microlenses form asubstantially flat surface. Additionally, in some embodiments, themicrolenses may include a curved concave surface. The microlenses may ormay not define a hole that penetrates through the light guide. In someembodiments, the microlenses may be thickened, denser, or a shapedsection of the same material of the light guide. Accordingly, themicrolenses may be made of the light guide material, rather thanrepresenting a hole in or lack of material.

As is known, the microlenses 225 may be formed using a variety oftechniques, including laser-cutting techniques, and/or micro-machiningtechniques, such as diamond turning. After the microlenses 225 areformed, an electrochemical finishing technique may be used to coatand/or finish the microlenses to increase their longevity and/or enhanceor add any desired optical properties. Other methods for forming themicrolenses may entail the use of other techniques and/or machinery, asis known.

In one embodiment, the diameters D3 of the microlenses may be thesubstantially equal to the diameters D1 of the bottoms of themicroperforations 101. Accordingly, the diameters D3 of the microlenses225 may be 100 microns or less in diameter, and may be even smaller, forexample, about 30 microns or less. In some embodiments, the diameters ofthe tops of the microlenses can range from about 20 microns to about 50microns in diameter. Other larger or smaller microperforation diameterscan also be used, as may be desired for a particular visual displayimplementation. For example, the diameters D3 of the microlenses 225 maybe larger or smaller than the diameters D1 of the bottom ends of themicroperforations 101.

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, light from the side-coupledlight guide may be both refracted in different directions andtransmitted along the horizontal plane for backlighting othermicroperforations. The gradients of the microlens 225 sidewalls may beadjusted in different embodiments to increase or decrease the amount oflight transmitted in a vertical direction, and the correspondingbrightness of the microperforations 101. Accordingly, the intensity oflight emitted by the microperforations 101 may be increased by selectinga sidewall gradient that enhances the amount of light refracted in avertical direction and through the tops of the microperforations 101.Alternatively, the intensity of light emitted by the microperforations101 may be decreased by selecting a sidewall gradient that reduces theamount of light refracted in a vertical direction.

The use of microlenses 225 on the light guide 220 may afford manybenefits to an associated electronic device. For example, themicrolenses 225 may impart a power savings. More particularly, themicrolenses 225 may allow for the use of a lower-power light source (oroperating a light source at a lower power) by more efficientlytransmitting light from the light source 222 through themicroperforations 101. Additionally, the microlenses 225 may alsoconserve space within the electronic device, allowing for a more compactdesign. For example, because the microlenses 225 reduce the amount oflight lost over the length of the light guide due to scattering and/ordiffraction, the light source 222 may be side-coupled to the light guide220, rather than bottom or top-coupled, and output similar light throughthe microperforations. Accordingly, the thickness of the base layer, ascoupled to the light guide, may be under 1 millimeter.

In one embodiment, the gradient of the microlenses may have across-sectional profile that is similar or identical to thecross-sectional profile of the microperforations. More particularly, thegradient of the microlens sidewalls may be substantially equal to thegradient of the microperforation sidewalls and the diameters D3 of thetops of the microlenses may be the substantially equal to the diametersD1 of the bottoms of the microperforations 101. For example, the angledefined by the microlens sidewalls may be within ±5 degrees of the angledefined by the microperforation sidewalls. Such a configuration mayallow for maximum reflection of light by the microlens through themicroperforations, since at least a portion of the scattered light, ifany, may be captured by the microlens and microperforation walls andtransmitted through the microperforations. Other embodiments may varythe cross-sectional profiles of the microperforations and microlenses.

As shown in FIG. 2, the array of microlenses 225 may be verticallyaligned with the microperforations 101 about a vertical axis. Forexample, in one embodiment, the microlenses 225 and themicroperforations 101 may be concentric. Alignment of the microlenses225 with the microperforations 101 may further facilitate efficienttransmission of light from the light source 222 through the top ends ofthe microperforations 101 by enhancing the amount of light transmittedthrough the microperforations 101 and reducing light scattering anddiffraction.

Although the disclosed embodiments utilize concave or conic types ofmicrolenses, convex microlenses can also be utilized. Additionally, inother embodiments, the bottom surface of the light guide may alsoinclude convex and/or concave lenses, as appropriate to create a desiredoptical effect.

As alluded to above, the parameters of the microlenses and themicroperforations may be varied to create different visual effects. Inone embodiment, the parameters of the microlenses and microperforationsmay be varied so as to enhance light transmitted by microperforationsthat are further from a light source and increase the uniformity oflight emitted by a visual display element. One implementation of thisembodiment is shown in FIG. 3, illustrating a partial cross-sectionalview of another example of a visual display element in which the sizesof the microperforations 301 and the microlenses 325 are increased withrespect to distance from the light source 222.

Referring to FIG. 3, the top and bottom diameters W1-W8 of themicroperforations 301 may be gradually enlarged with respect to theirdistance from the light source 222 to counterbalance losses in light asit is transmitted along the light guide 320. Accordingly,microperforations 301 that are further away from a light source 222 maybe configured to emit substantially the same amount of light asmicroperforations 301 that are closer to the light source 222. As shownin FIG. 3, the diameters W5-W8 of microlenses 325 that are further fromthe light source 222 may be similarly enlarged to capture more lightfrom the light source 222. Increasing the amount of light emitted by themicroperforations 301 that are further from the light source 222 mayincrease the uniformity of light across a particular display element,while also reducing the number of light sources needed to compensate forlosses in light intensity along the length of the light guide.

In other embodiments, only the top and/or the bottom diameters of themicroperforations may be gradually enlarged with respect to theirdistance from the light source 222, and the diameters of the microlensesmay be uniform. Alternatively, the diameters of the microlenses 325 maybe increased, and the top and/or bottom diameters of themicroperforations may be uniform. In other embodiments, the sidewallgradients of the microperforations 301 and/or the microlenses 325 may beadjusted to further maximize light transmitted by microperforations thatare further from a light source.

Similarly, in other embodiments, the diameters of the microperforationsand/or the microlenses may be increased or decreased to create othervisual effects. For example, the diameters of some of themicroperforations and/or microlenses may be increased or decreased sothat the visual element, when lit, may include brighter and/or dimmerportions.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of another embodimentof a base layer having a microperforated and backlit visual displayelement including an input-output interface. The embodiment may includea base layer 411 defining multiple microperforations 401, as well as alight guide 420 defining one or more microlenses 425. The light guide420 may be side-coupled to a light source 422. The base layer 411,microperforations 401, light guide 420, light source 422, andmicrolenses 425 may be similar to those described above with respect tothe embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A-3.

As shown in FIG. 4, the embodiment may further include one or more inputelements 440, such as keyboards, mice, touchpads, and so on and soforth, disposed within the electronic device. In the illustratedembodiment, the one or more input elements 440 may be disposed betweenthe base layer 411 and the light guide 420. However, in otherembodiments, the one or more input elements may be disposed underneaththe light guide 420 (as shown in phantom in FIG. 4), on the exterior ofthe electronic device, and so on and so forth. The base layer, lightguide 420, and/or input elements 440 may be joined using an adhesive(not shown).

The housing input element 440 may be widely varied. For example, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 4, the housing input element 440 may be acapacitive sensing element for detecting proximity, position, and so on,based on capacitive coupling effects. In other embodiments, the housinginput element 440 may correspond to touch sensors, pressure sensors,proximity sensors, etc. The housing input element 440 may operate aloneor in conjunction with other sensors and/or input devices to extractinformation from the surroundings of the electronic device or a userinput device. The housing input element 440 may be configured tointeract at the exterior portion or outside the outer periphery of thebase layer 411 and generate electrical signals correlative with theinteractions.

The electrical signals generated by the housing input element 440typically are provided to a controller 442 that is configured tointerpret the electrical signals as input to the electronic device. Thecontroller 442 may generate an output signal in response to the input.The output signal may be provided to the light source 425, whichfunctions as an output element. For example, the light source 425 may beconfigured to transmit light according to an electrical signal receivedby the controller 442 via the housing input element 440.

As discussed above, the housing input element 440 may be a capacitivesensing layer including one or more capacitive sensors. As is known, thesensors can be constructed from many different materials, such as indiumtin oxide (ITO), copper, printed ink, etc. In one embodiment, thehousing input element 440 may be a semi- or completely transparentcapacitive sensing layer including transparent ITO so that light fromthe light guide 425 may be visible through the housing input element440.

Since the housing input element 440 is provided underneath the baselayer 411, the input element may not affect the exterior portion of thebase layer 411, thereby keeping the input element substantially hidden.Thus, the housing input element 440 may define an active area that maybe over an extended surface of the base layer 411, i.e., the entirebottom surface, the entire surface of an enclosure and/or select areas,i.e., specific locations about the surface of the housing. Furthermore,the active area may be localized or short range (e.g., touch or neartouch), extended, or long range (e.g., substantially away from thesurface). Specifically, the housing input element 440 may be configuredto receive external data via the base layer 411.

The housing input element 440 may be implemented in a variety ofelectronic devices including, but not limited to, portable computingdevices, cell phones, televisions, personal computers, smart phones,personal digital assistants, media players, appliances such asrefrigerators, microwave ovens, etc. and any other suitable electronicdevice. In one embodiment, a trackpad may be microperforated andbacklit. As such, although the description included herein may includesome specific embodiments and may be related to particular functions, itshould be understood that the housing I/O interface may be implementedin a wide variety of device and may perform a variety of functionsbeyond the embodiments specifically described herein.

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart illustrating operations 500 of a method formanufacturing a visual display element. In operation 501, the method mayinclude forming one or more microperforations on a surface of a baselayer. As discussed above, the base layer may be the housing of anelectronic device. The microperforations may be tapered toward the topsurface of the base layer. In operation 503, the method may includeproviding a light guide configured to transmit light from a light sourceand including one or more microlenses. In one embodiment, the lightguide may be a light guide panel. The microlenses may have the samediameters as the bottom ends of the microperforations.

In operation 505, the method may include aligning the one or moremicrolenses with the one or more microperforations so that lighttransmitted by the light guide is directed through the one or moremicroperforations. As discussed above, the microlenses may be configuredto transmit light in a vertical direction to maximize the amount oflight transmitted through the microperforations. This may beaccomplished by adjusting the gradient of the microlens sidewalls torefract light in a vertical direction. In other embodiments, thediameters of the tops and/or bottoms of the microperforations may beincreased to allow more light to be transmitted through themicroperforations. Similarly, the diameters of the microlenses may beincreased to transmit more light from the light source in a verticaldirection.

Other embodiments may include the use of an input device, such as acapacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may be positioned between thebase layer and the light guide, and may be semi- or completelytransparent so that light can be transmitted through the capacitivesensor.

Some embodiments may use side-firing light sources, such as side-firingLEDs. In one example, two side-firing light sources may be positioned onopposite sides of a light guide. Other embodiments may utilize differentcolored light sources. For example, one embodiment may use multiplelight sources of different colors to convey status and/or input deviceinformation.

Additionally, in other embodiments, an ambient light sensor may beconnected to the light source, and the pulse-width modulation of thelight source may be varied based on the amount of ambient light detectedby the light sensor. This may provide additional power savings to theelectronic device.

In a further embodiment, the light guide may include angled microlensesto direct light in different directions. For example, the top end of themicroperforation may be offset from the bottom end of themicroperforation to focus the light in an angled beam. This may enhancethe uniformity of light distribution from the microperforated design,and reduce light discrepancies and/or uneven light distribution duestructural elements, distance from the light guide, and so on and soforth.

1. A visual display element, comprising: a base layer defining one ormore microperforations; and a light guide coupled to a light source, thelight guide positioned adjacent the base layer and including one or moreconcave microlenses in alignment with the one or more microperforationsalong at least one vertical axis.
 2. The visual display element of claim1, wherein the light guide comprises: a first surface facing the baselayer; a second surface opposite the first surface; and a third surfaceextending between the first surface and the second surface, wherein: thelight source is coupled to the third surface of the light guide.
 3. Thevisual display element of claim 1, wherein the base layer comprises: afirst surface facing the light guide; and a second surface opposite thefirst surface; wherein the one or more microperforations taper incross-section toward the second surface.
 4. The visual display elementof claim 1, wherein the microlenses are configured to transmit light ina direction substantially perpendicular to the base layer.
 5. The visualdisplay element of claim 4, wherein the light guide comprises: a firstsurface facing the base layer; and a second surface opposite the firstsurface; wherein the one or more microlenses have a conicalconfiguration and taper toward the second surface of the light guide. 6.The visual display element of claim 4, wherein: a first end of the oneor more microperforations has a first diameter; a second end of the oneor more microperforations has a second diameter larger than the firstdiameter; and the second diameter of the one or more microperforationsis substantially equal to a diameter of the one or more microlenses. 7.The visual display element of claim 1, wherein: the one or moremicroperforations comprise a first microperforation having a first enddefining a first diameter and a second end defining a second diameterlarger than the first diameter; and the one or more microperforationsfurther comprise a second microperforation having a third end having athird diameter and a fourth end defining a fourth diameter larger thanthe third diameter; the second microperforation is further from thelight source than the first microperforation, and the third diameter ofthe second microperforation is larger than the first diameter of thefirst microperforation.
 8. The visual display element of claim 1,further comprising an input device coupled to the light source.
 9. Thevisual display element of claim 8, wherein the input device ispositioned between the base layer and the light guide.
 10. The visualdisplay element of claim 9, wherein the input device is a capacitivesensor comprising indium tin oxide.
 11. A visual display element,comprising: a base layer defining a first microperforation, the firstmicroperforation including a first microperforation wall defining afirst gradient; and a light guide coupled to a light source, the lightguide including a first microlens, the first microlens including a firstlens wall defining a second gradient; wherein the first gradient issubstantially equal to the second gradient.
 12. The visual displayelement of claim 11, wherein the first microlens is configured totransmit light in a direction substantially perpendicular to the baselayer.
 13. The visual display element of claim 11, wherein the firstmicroperforation takes the shape of a truncated cone.
 14. The visualdisplay element of claim 13, wherein the first microlens is concave. 15.The visual display element of claim 11, wherein the firstmicroperforation has a first end having a first diameter and a secondend opposite the first end and having a second diameter larger than thefirst diameter, the first microlens has a third diameter, and the seconddiameter of the first microperforation is substantially equal to thethird diameter of the first microlens.
 16. The visual display element ofclaim 15, wherein the first microlens is substantially aligned with thesecond end of the first microperforation along at least one verticalaxis.
 17. A method for manufacturing a visual display element,comprising: forming one or more microperforations on a surface of a baselayer; providing a light guide configured to transmit light from a lightsource and including one or more microlenses; and aligning the one ormore microlenses with the one or more microperforations so that lighttransmitted by the light guide is directed through the one or moremicroperforations.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:providing an input device between the light guide and the base layer.19. The method of claim 17, wherein the input-output device is at leastsemi-transparent.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the base layercomprises an external housing of an electronic device.